Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said Tuesday that China will continue to promote its exchange rate reform in the spirit of serving the global and Chinese economy.

 

"China's determination to promote exchange rate reform is unchangeable," Liu told a regular news briefing. He added that China would advance the reform when it benefits both the world economy and China's economy.

 

Liu made the remarks after the Bush administration on Monday urged China to further liberalize its currency policy in its annual summary of economic policies and goals.

 

"China has never sought trade surplus and increase in its foreign exchange reserves in a deliberate way," said Liu. "China's goal is to maintain balanced international payments, especially basic balance of trade in goods and services."

 

Earlier government figures show China's trade surplus came to US$100 billion in 2005 amid increasing trade disputes.

 

As a result, the country's foreign exchange reserves surged to US$818.9 billion by the end of last year, second only to Japan.

 

Liu said that "all countries should adjust economic structure in line with their conditions and adapt themselves to influences brought about by globalization."

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 15, 2006)